THERE are still spots in Asia,
Europe and even the Indian Ocean
where agents can send December
travellers, travel experts say.
Thompsons Holidays still has
availability in Zanzibar, says pr and
media manager, John Ridler. He
says with one call agents can solve
any issues they might have finding
accommodation. “During the high
season period Thompsons calls
the property to ensure that the
accommodation is available, to enable
us to prepare a suitable quote.”
The operator currently has a seven
night package for the four-star Dream
of Zanzibar at R18 888pp sharing. It is
for set departure from December 6-13.
It includes flights from Johannesburg
(including taxes), transfers and
accommodation in a deluxe room with
breakfast and dinner daily. Afternoon
tea is served daily and complimentary
land and water activities are offered.
Annemarie Lexow, sales manager
of Travel Vision says agents should
explore offering options like Mayotte
as it is not as well known as the other
Indian Ocean Island destinations.
She says it is a good alternative to
Mauritius.
Beyond the Indian Ocean, Thailand
also offers travellers affordable beach
holidays. “There has been a slowdown
in Thailand, which means that there
is still availability,” says Carlos Luis
land product leader of the Flight Centre
Travel Group. Bali is also still open for
business, he says.
In Europe, Spain and Turkey still have
availability, Carlos adds. “Paris is also
still OK in terms of availability.” While
packages to Europe can be pricey,
he says those that are still available,
are not “dirt cheap but not too pricey
either”.
Dreams says there are several hotels
in Zimbabwe that have availability.
Wendy Goutier, gm, says Ilala Lodge
in particular has availability throughout
the December season.
On the local side, Legend Golf &
Safari Resort is not yet fully booked,
says Wendy. This could be a good
option for travellers looking for
somewhere to go over
New Year as the resort is hosting a
“shebeen-type” celebration.
Tips from Louise the lawyer - cancellations
IN THIS insert we are going to tackle
the topic of non-refundable deposits
and cancellation fees.
When dealing with this section,
it’s important to remember that the
consumer is entitled to cancel a
trip. However, the supplier is entitled
to ask for a reasonable deposit in
advance and impose a reasonable
cancellation charge.
The cancellation charge can be
deemed unreasonable if it exceeds a
fair amount under the circumstances.
What is considered to be fair is not
entirely clear but may be determined
by the following conditions: the
nature of the goods or services; the
length of cancellation notice given
by the consumer; the reasonable
potential of the supplier to replace
the booking; and the general practice
of the industry in question.
Note that a cancellation penalty
may not be imposed if the individual
for whom the booking was made
dies or is hospitalised. This only
relates to the actual passenger
and not any other members of their
travelling party.
What to do
Suppliers should not automatically
and categorically refuse any form
of refund. They should first make a
concerted effort to resell the same
product/same date to another
customer. It may be argued by the
consumer that a popular destination
in peak season can be resold. This
is particularly the case when the
client has given ample notice of
cancellation, even if the supplier’s
window for refundable notice of
cancellation has closed. In such
a case, the supplier can argue
that any resale efforts cannot be
considered a certainty and are a
show of goodwill only.
Be aware of suppliers’ Ts and Cs.
Make sure your customer
understands that the concession
mentioned above only applies to the
passenger who has passed away or
been hospitalised and not the entire
travelling party.
Insist on original documents of
proof of death or hospitalisation. In
other words, proof from the hospital
and not just a doctor’s note.
